QUESTION: I have a boyfriend in DR. I’ve known him for 5 years and we love each other. I’m not a US citizen yet and I plan to go to DR very soon to get married to him and come back and do his papers. How long will it take for him to get his papers and come to New York? Or how long is the process? Thank you! ATTORNEY ROMAN’S ADVICE: If you wish for your boyfriend to come live … Read more →

QUESTION: Two years ago my parents were deported. I want to bring them back to the states. They never did any harm to anyone and always obeyed the law. How can I bring them back legally? ATTORNEY ROMAN’S ADVICE: I am so sorry to hear that your parents were deported two years ago. Unfortunately, when a person is deported they are typically barred from returning to the US for a period of 10 years. I would recommend that you file a … Read more →

QUESTION: I was involved in a car accident in 2009. I fell asleep while driving. I had to go to court for reckless driving but the charges were dropped. I was not arrested on the day of the accident. I am filing the naturalization application and I was wondering if I should include this incident. Your response will be highly appreciated. Thank you! ATTORNEY ROMAN’S ADVICE: With immigration, the best policy is always to disclose the truth about your background. Remember … Read more →

QUESTION: Hi Ms. Roman. My question is this. My boyfriend and I have been together for a little more than 9 years. Together we have 3 beautiful children. The problem is that he had a work permit but he let it expire 8 years ago, simply because he was young and careless. Now we are planing on getting married (finally!) next year. But I’m scared because I’ve been told he will have to go to his country, El Salvador, to wait … Read more →

QUESTION: Can my employer help me to be legal in the country? I got hired because of a relationship that had with my previous ex-boss. Thanks for your time. ATTORNEY ROMAN’S ADVICE: Your employer can help you be legal in this country if you have entered the country with a visa and if you have remained within the US lawfully. There was special law that expired in April 2001 called 245(i) which allowed people to adjust status even if they entered … Read more →

QUESTION: I’ve been with my boyfriend for a while now. We have plans to get married and have kids in the near future after we save up. He’s 24 and illegal. He’s been in the US since he was a young boy and has been deported once (back to Mexico). He came back, but I worry every day that he’s going to be deported again. I don’t want this to happen, especially not after we move in together. He’s been arrested … Read more →

QUESTION: My 9-year-old daughter’s father is sharing an apartment with a couple. When my daughter stayed there overnight, she used to sleep in a bed with her soon-to-be 10-year-old half-brother. I told her father that she was too old for this and it needed to stop immediately. I just found out from my daughter that her father told her to lie to me and say it wasn’t going on anymore. I know the judicial system is not always fair so is … Read more →

QUESTION: I was recently in a 7 year relationship. The last 2-3 years were very abusive in every way except basically being beaten. I just left him a few months ago. I will be fighting to get custody of my child. There are a lot of reasons why I want full custody. When my ex was 18 he kissed a minor and was convicted. Also, he has a big drinking problem, a MMJ card and serious anger issues. During our relationship … Read more →

QUESTION: I was (and still am) married to my husband for 22 years. We decided to peacefully to separate. However, he left the country leaving my three kids and me almost on the street, with no money. He lives in Argentina now. Because of this can I get child support from him? ATTORNEY ROMAN’S ADVICE: I’m sorry to say that there is no jurisdiction over Argentina for child support matters. However, if your situation is that bad, I would recommend that … Read more →

QUESTION: Right now I’m fixing my husband’s papers. He already has his appointment for his fingerprints scheduled. He entered the US legally but his visa card expired and his mom lost it. The lady who helped me fill out the paperwork for his case stated that he needs to get a Mexican visa in order to get his papers. Does he really need to go and get this to become a citizen of the US? ATTORNEY ROMAN’S ADVICE: If a person … Read more →